The difference between Cantankerous and Surly

When used as adjectives, cantankerous means given to or marked by an ill-tempered nature, whereas surly means irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.


Surly is also adverb with the meaning: in an arrogant or supercilious manner.

check bellow for the other definitions of Cantankerous and Surly

  1. Cantankerous as an adjective:

    Given to or marked by an ill-tempered nature; ill-tempered, cranky, surly, crabby.

  1. Surly as an adjective:

    Irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.

  2. Surly as an adjective:

    Threatening, menacing, gloomy.

    Examples:

    "The surly weather put us all in a bad mood."

  3. Surly as an adjective (obsolete):

    Lordly, arrogant, supercilious.

  1. Surly as an adverb (obsolete):

    In an arrogant or supercilious manner.